Health and Environment

Hazards

Acute (Short-Term) Health Effects

Sulfuric acid can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes, potentially causing third degree burns and blindness.

If inhaled, sulfuric acid can irritate the lungs and cause coughing or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema); 80 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) is immediately dangerous to life and health.

Exposure Routes

Automatically pump liquid sulfuric acid from drums to process containers. If automatic pumps are infeasible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation. If exposure may exceed 1 mg/m3 use a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-approved full facepiece respirator with an acid gas canister and high efficiency particulate pre-filters.

Avoid any contact with sulfuric acid. Immediately wash any exposed area and contact a doctor.